Atletico Madrid sealed their second Europa League trophy in three years, as they saw off rivals Athletic Club 3-0 on an entertaining night in Bucharest. Two goals from star man Falcao gave Atletico an untouchable first-half lead, before a late piece of magic from Diego finished the game off for the 5th side in La Liga.

It was all set up to be a carnival of beautiful soccer, from two teams who have impressed the continent throughout the tournament. The Bucharest crowd didn’t have to wait long to be impressed: little over five minutes passed before star striker Falcao cut inside, and hurled a stunning left-footed effort into the corner, to put Atletico Madrid 1-0 up.

The game didn’t quite come to life, as many would have expected after that early goal. Athletic Club looked uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, but the Basque side started to play their trademark soccer as the first-half went on, and they were creating chances because of it, but Fernando Llorente couldn’t find his shots, as he sliced an effort just wide of the posts.

The people’s favorite, Athletic Club began to get on top, and were pushing Atletico back into their own area consistently. Iker Muniain threatened with a long-range effort, which Courtois could only push away. But for all their mastery, Athletic were the masters of their own downfall. Amorebieta failed to clear the ball away, and when it finally found its way to Falcao, the Colombian striker made no mistake, as he turned the defenders inside out and smashed Atletico into a two-goal lead.

The star of the show, Falcao may have been lucky to stay on the pitch shortly after his opener, when he planted his foot into Iraizoz’s groin. Whether it was intentional is open to interpretation. The first half fizzled out without any further drama though, and Athletic needed quite a response. Marcelo Bielsa was determined to get that reaction by bringing on Gomez and Perez for the second half, and he almost got it, when Muniain’s low cross was deflected behind by Miranda.

The match was as fast-paced and all action, as it had been before the break, with Atletico relatively happy to sit on their two-goal lead to soak up the pressure from their Spanish rivals. The trailing side was pressing hard, but couldn’t break down a stubborn defense, with Diego Godin at the heart of  keeping Atletico’s two-goal lead intact. Athletic Club seemed to struggle with the pressure of a final cup, and were a world away from the carefree team everybody saw playing Manchester United off the pitch a few months ago.

But the team sitting 9th in La Liga wouldn’t give up. Fernando Llorente had an effort blocked before Gomez blazed over, and they came forward again. Some great work by Muniain this time ended in De Marcos smashing the ball over the bar, as Marcelo Bielsa grew increasingly frustrated on the touchline. Still Bilbao didn’t give up, though Susaeta came close, as his on-target effort was deflected agonizingly wide of the post.

It was a game that felt as if one goal would spark a sensational comeback. Llorente was once again denied by a stubborn Atletico defense, before Susaeta was denied this time by Courtois, before Falcao almost completed his hat trick,with a deflected effort onto the post, as the game became increasingly open. But with five minutes to, another individual moment of brilliance wrapped things up for Atletico Madrid, when Diego dribbled through the defense and found the far corner, and at least one European trophy would be going back to Madrid.

The article Atletico Upstage Fellow Spaniards to Win the Europa League appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Despite Group B containing the likes of Germany, Portugal and Holland, Group C will also show off a number of young stars in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Current holders as well as World Cup winners Spain are the favorites, but they’ll face stiff competition from Italy, Ireland and Croatia in what promises to be a close group.

Jordi Alba (Valencia & Spain)

He is Barcelona through and through, apart from the fact he plays for Valencia. The talented left-back grew up in Catalonia and played for the Barca youth team, but Alba has come to be noticed with his defensive and attacking performances for Valencia in the last couple of years. He’s still only 23 and seems almost certain for a move to Barcelona sooner rather than later.

His international career has only just begun going though, Alba has made 3 appearances for the national team starting last year, but with left-back possibly the only position Spain lacks a definite starter in, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Alba in that position when Spain kicks off against Italy in June.

Iker Muniain (Athletic Club & Spain)

The little 19-year old is being touted as the next big thing, Muniain’s name was known before this season, but two performances against Manchester United in the Europa League really brought him to prominence. He’s not a prolific goal scorer but the winger is creative and quick. He won’t be a starter for Spain this summer, and he might not even make the squad such is the talent flowing through the Spanish ranks, but he made his international debut this year and definitely has a shot at boarding the plane in a few months.

Javi Martinez (Athletic Club & Spain)

Another one of Athletic’s prodigies, Javi Martinez is a little ahead of Iker Muniain. The 23-year old has already made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side and captained the Spanish U21 side to the U21 European Championship title last summer. The defensive midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League and seems destined to become a top midfielder.

His international career is also ahead of Muniain. He’s only made 7 caps, but he made his debut back in 2010, and, like Muniain, may not even make the plane this summer. Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso & Sergio Busquets is tough competition to get in on but if Martinez does go to the EURO’s this summer, he’s sure to do himself justice.

Fabio Borini (AS Roma & Italy)

Similar to Portugal, there’s not a great deal of youth flowing through the current Italy squad, but if there is one man who could make an impact in a side looking to recover from an embarrassing World Cup campaign, it’s Fabio Borini. The 21-year old never really got a chance to impress at Chelsea, but he has had 9 goals in 19 appearances for Roma this season and has put himself in contention for the Italy squad this summer.

His impact didn’t go unnoticed by his national side, and Borini made his senior debut for Italy this year against the USA. Like others mentioned so far, Borini’s not certain to be on the plane to Eastern Europe this summer, but if Italy are to look towards a more youthful approach, Borini might be the man.

James McClean (Sunderland & Ireland)

Here’s a name who might be more familiar to the majority of readers. Premier League winger, James McClean, has a real chance of going to the EURO’s this summer. He was bought last summer but didn’t make an appearance until Steve Bruce was sacked, making his debut shortly after 2012 began well for McClean. He started his first game on January 1st, and impressed in the victory over Manchester City.

Since then, McClean has gone on to give many defenders issues and has been key to Sunderland’s climb up the table. Like Borini, McClean has gotten one international cap but has put himself in contention and Ireland would be unwise not to take a chance on him this summer.

Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo & Croatia)

Football Manager fans rejoice! Vrsaljko may be unheard of in real life to many, but in Croatia he and a few other young players have been making waves and giving themselves a chance at a spot in the squad for this summers tournament. Vrsaljko is one of them. The Dinamo right-back has made 45 appearances for his club and this season has broken into the Croatia squad on three occasions.

He’s definitely one for the future but there’s no reason why Sime can’t make the plane this summer, along with a few other starlets.

Milan Badelj (Dinamo & Croatia)

Milan Badelj is 23 but still has a big future ahead of him. The creativity at the hub of Dinamo’s domestic success, Badelj has already surpassed 150 appearances for his club, and has 30 goals to show for it. Like his younger team-mate, Badelj also has three caps for Croatia, but playing further up the field he’s already scored his first goal for the national side.

Badelj is another one of those who could be on the fringes of the squad this summer, but like many other teams, Croatia could look towards youth sooner rather than later, and if they do, Badelj & Vrsaljko may be at the very top of the list.

Image Courtesy of   DSPA / Shutterstock.com

The article EURO 2012 | Ones to Watch – Group C appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.